The inaugural James 5K Race Series kicked off in the spring of 2014, uniting thousands of runners, walkers and family support teams to raise awareness and over $369,000 to fund research for The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). The five events support research efforts in the multiple myeloma, lung, leukemia, sarcoma and breast cancer programs. A special thank-you to our 2014 race series Presenting Sponsor, the Kroger Company, and to our generous supporters at The Dispatch, WBNS 10TV, Fleet Feet, Rewind 104.3 and Absolute Impressions. And thank you to the race committees, sponsors, volunteers and participants who make these races possible.
MoveMMORE 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk
Benefiting the MMORE Multiple Myeloma Cancer Research Fund
On June 7, 2014, a record-breaking crowd of 850 race participants joined in the activities at the 7th annual MoveMMORE 5K & 1 Mile run/walk. The runners and walkers enjoyed the beautiful trails at Wolfe Park in Bexley, Ohio, while making a difference in the fight against multiple myeloma, a rare cancer of the bone marrow cells. The event included race awards, live music performed by a band, vendor booths and photo opportunities. This year’s event generated $61,000 to benefit multiple myeloma research at the OSUCCC – James.
Jack Roth 5K Rock & Run/Walk
Benefiting the Jack Roth Memorial Fund and important lung cancer research efforts
On June 8, 2014, the 9th annual Jack Roth 5K Rock & Run/Walk was held at Bexley High School. The event was filled with family-friendly activities such as face painting, bounce houses, track dash for kids, food and music. The race took runners and walkers through central Bexley’s beautiful neighborhoods and finished on the track at the high school. Proceeds of $60,000 donated to the OSUCCC – James from the 2014 event will benefit the Jack Roth Memorial Fund and groundbreaking lung cancer research efforts led by Miguel Villalona, MD, and David Carbone, MD, PhD. Additional proceeds from the event will support Camp Netaim, a program in Israel that Roth was passionate for that helps children with special needs.
Clunger Beats 5000 5K Run/Walk
Benefiting the Cory Lunger Cancer Research Fund
The 2nd annual Clunger Beats 5000 was held on Aug. 31, 2014, in memory of Cory Lunger and his courageous battle against acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Over 500 runners and walkers were registered for the race held outside of Ohio Stadium. Despite heavy rainfall, more than 400 participants and supporters attended the race that morning. The event raised over $28,000 to fund research for ALL at the OSUCCC – James. When Cory Lunger started this endeavor in March 2013, his goal was to raise $10,000 a year for five years. In its first two years the event has raised over $45,000!
Steps for Sarcoma
Benefiting the Steps for Sarcoma Fund
On Sept. 14, 2014, over 1,000 participants and dogs gathered to support the 5th annual Steps for Sarcoma 5K walk/run, a family and pet-friendly event. The event was held at Wendy’s International Headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, and included survivor photos, face painting, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. The Steps for Sarcoma event has become the largest run/walk in the nation for sarcoma support. Joel Mayerson, MD, and Thomas Scharschmidt, MD, spoke to the crowd about how the proceeds of $195,000 raised by the event will be used for sarcoma research and patient care at the OSUCCC – James. Sarcoma is a rare form of soft tissue or bone cancer that accounts for about 10 percent of childhood cancers and less than 1 percent of adult malignancies. Soft tissue sarcomas account for about 15 percent of tumors in dogs.
Courage, Conquer and Cure 5K
Benefiting the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research
The cold weather didn’t stop the 3rd annual Courage, Conquer and Cure 5K from having another year of record-breaking participation and fundraising. On Oct. 4, 2014, over 880 walkers and runners gathered on the streets of Canal Winchester to show their support and desire to conquer breast cancer. Tracy Townsend, 10TV News anchor and reporter, returned for her second year to emcee this special event. William Farrar, MD, medical director of the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, spoke on behalf of the OSUCCC – James and the Spielman Fund. Maddie Spielman, Stefanie and Chris’s oldest daughter, spoke about her family’s commitment to carry on her mother’s mission. Runners and walkers took off from the start line and passed pink flags that lined Main Street to commemorate loved ones and honor survivors. The day included live music from the band Bad Influence, vendor booths that lined the sidewalks and raffle items. In 2014, Courage, Conquer and Cure raised more than $25,000 for the Spielman Fund, bringing the three-year total to more than $65,000.